VA Programs, Eligibility and Benefits

The Military and Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) is available to assist veterans eligible for any of the educational benefit programs administered by the Veterans Administration. Students who believe that they are eligible for benefits may receive assistance by calling the MVRC at (904) 620-5131. All degree programs at UNF are approved for VA purposes by the State Approving Agency for veterans training, however, certificate programs vary. Any questions concerning this process should be referred to the MVRC. Students must expect a possible delay of up to 60 days for receipt of benefits during their first term at UNF to allow for processing of forms at the regional level.

Applying for Benefits

Students may apply online through the Department of Veterans Affairs Online Application (VONAPP), located at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. Students without the capability to apply online can call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 to have a form mailed or visit One-Stop Student Services to obtain a paper application.

Recommended schedule for the submission of forms:

First application 10 weeks before semester

Transfer from out-of-state 10 weeks before semester

Transfer from school in Florida 6 weeks before semester

Return to UNF after two semester absence 6 weeks before semester

Initial certification can be made for one semester during which time the student may be waiting for transcripts or test scores (e.g., GMAT, GRE or SAT). However, undergraduates may not be certified for a second term until fully admitted into a degree program. For information about career advisement and placement services, see the Career Services website.

Students who plan to attend UNF under any of the veterans training programs must contact the MVCR to establish initial certification. In subsequent semesters, the VA Certifying Official will automatically certify enrollment for courses appearing on the Veterans Education recipient's UNF Degree Evaluation. Students must see the VA Certifying Official to opt out of automatic certification for any given semester or course.

Benefit Chapters

Chapter 30 — Montgomery G.I. Bill: First entered active duty July 1, 1985 or later and completed initial obligated period of active duty of two years or more or who completed two years of active duty and entered the selective reserve for four or more years. Certain Chapter 34-eligible students are entitled after Dec. 31, 1989. Student is responsible to pay tuition and fees to the school by the payment deadline. VA will pay a monthly stipend to the student based on certified hours of enrollment.

Chapter 31 — Vocational Rehabilitation: Must have a service-connected disability rated at 10 percent or more which causes a demonstrable employment handicap, and signed up prior to April 1, 1987 to make contributions. VA will pay tuition and fees, and other costs on a case by case basis, directly to UNF. VA will also pay a monthly subsistence allowance to the student based on actual enrollment.

Chapter 32 — Veterans Educational Assistance Program: Served on active duty for at least 181 continuous days and enlisted for the first time between Jan. 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 inclusive, and signed up prior to April 1, 1987 to make contributions. Certain persons could have converted to Chapter 30 by Oct. 1, 2001. Student is responsible to pay tuition and fees to the school by the payment deadline. VA will pay a monthly stipend to the student based on certified hours of enrollment.

Chapter 33 — Post 9/11 G.I. Bill: Served on full-time active duty for at least 90 aggregate days or at least 30 days with a disability discharge after Sept. 11, 2001. Benefit level will be based on length of service. VA will pay tuition and fees not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition and fees at a public institution, prorated based on benefit level and actual hours of enrollment. VA will pay a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing and an annual books and supplies stipend to students enrolled more than half-time, prorated based on benefit level.

Chapter 35 — Dependents Educational Assistance Program: Spouse and/or child of a veteran with permanent and total service-connected disability; or whose death was service connected; or who died of any cause while rated as having a permanent and total service-connected disability. Student is responsible to pay tuition and fees to the school by the payment deadline. VA will pay a monthly stipend to the student based on certified hours of enrollment.

Chapter 1606 — Montgomery G.I. Bill Selected Reserve: Enlisted personnel: enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended Selected Reserve enlistment for a six-year period after June 30, 1985. Officers: added six years to current Selected Reserve obligation after June 30, 1985. Student is responsible to pay tuition and fees to the school by the payment deadline. VA will pay a monthly stipend to the student based on certified hours of enrollment.

Chapter 1607 — Reserve Educational Assistance Program: Reservists who served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days for a contingency operation after Sept. 1, 2001. Benefit level will be based on time served on active duty. Student is responsible to pay tuition and fees to the school by the payment deadline. VA will pay a monthly stipend to the student based on certified hours of enrollment and benefit level.